A car is moving around a curve. Which of the following is true regarding the centrifugal force?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the nature of centrifugal force acting on a car moving around a curve and requires you to identify the true statement about it from the given options. It tests understanding of the concept of centrifugal force and its relationship to centripetal force and inertia.
Answer
The centrifugal force is a fictitious force directed away from the center of the curve.
The centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to push an object outward when it moves in a circular path. It is directed away from the center of the curve.
Answer for screen readers
The centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to push an object outward when it moves in a circular path. It is directed away from the center of the curve.
More Information
The centrifugal force isn't a real force in the sense that it's not caused by an interaction with another object. It's a result of inertia and the object's tendency to move in a straight line.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking centrifugal force is a 'real' force like gravity. Remember it's a pseudo or fictitious force arising from inertia in a rotating frame of reference.
Sources
- What are centrifugal & centripetal forces? - Live Science - livescience.com
- Centripetal And Centrifugal Force - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Centrifugal Force - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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